Applejack was laying in the sauna, a wooden ladle of warm water in her mouth slowly poured over enchanted stones with a loud hissing sound, sending a puff of steam into the enclosed room. With a grin she dropped the ladle by her belly and inhaled deeply.

“Whoo-whee, this’ hotter than a of day buck’n in the summer, durin’ a heat wave in Appleloosa, while the sun’s touchin’ my hat…” she grinned and began to pant as her rear leg drooped from the bench in relaxation.

The door opened suddenly sending air that felt like ice into the room, blinding Applejack and the ponies outside with a wash of white steam.

“Ah! Oh my, you certainly do appreciate the steam, don’t you, AJ?”

Applejack shivered slightly at the temperature shift with a smile. “Always up fer a good sweat,” she replied taking a shallow breath.

“Well, this is one of the few times I’m inclined to agree,” Rarity exclaimed trotting into the room being followed by Fluttershy.

“Oh, this is nice.”

“Couldn’t’a said it better m’self. Take a spot and lay it out, girls.”

The door shut with a blue hue of magic sending the room into temporary blinding darkness as their eyes adjusted to the mana crystals’ light.

“Well, how was payin’ fer a roll in the mud?”

“Better than a roll in the hay, darling.”

Fluttershy snickered at the exchange as she chose a spot at the back to lay as her eyes adjusted.

“So, Applejack, how’s Rainbow recovering?”

“Mighty fine’n dandy. Her legs are almost all healed, but she’s milkin’ it a bit fer attention. Her wings are another thing…”

“How do you mean?”

“Well, with her wings all tied up and bandaged,” she started gripping the ladle by the end of the handle, “she can’t exercise,” she dipped the ladle into the water and poured it over the rocks.

“Now, that doesn’t sound so bad. She’ll enjoy the extra work to get back in shape.”

“Nah, it’s cuz she can’t fly, she’s gonna need a couple weeks outta her splints.”

“So, she’s not gonna fly until around Hearths Warming? That’s going to be difficult.”

“Certainly, Fluttershy. I couldn’t imagine not using magic for a week, much less not flying for a month, plus physical therapy. Are you in need of any, financial assistance, Applejack?”

Applejack dropped the ladle and tucked her legs under her body. “Nah, farm’s got more’n enough bits and whatnot ta cover a little doctor stuff.”

“Well, while I don’t doubt your farms abilities; I do know medical expenses can add up to hundreds of bits a session, easily. Why, all this could cost you several thousand bits by the time it’s all over.”

“Rares,” Applejack sighed, “Ah said it’s fine. Ah got more’n enough saved. Heck, I done bought the house outright last week,” she smiled, “Ah just have ta tell Rainbow. It’s my Hearths Warmin’ gift to her.”

“Applejack, that’s so sweet. I hope you make your house into a amazing home.”

“Our house is a home, Fluttershy. Every mornin’ I wake up with the mare of my dreams, a daughter that’s as full’a energy as a flock’a parasprites, and everyday somethin’ new happens. This whole winter has been time ta come together and it’s been great. Once Dash has our…” she blinked and swallowed hard, glancing around in thought.

“Your what, Darling?” Rarity asked with her eyes closed, sitting regally as she began to sweat.

“Uh, our, uh, weather planned out… yeah, our weather, it’ll be time ta start a small garden fer the girls to try ta get their cutie marks at.”

“Oh, I understand. Springtime and all that. You know, I believe that they try hard enough to get their marks, but they’re going about it the wrong way.”

“Hear, hear,” Applejack agreed.

“I don’t know. Maybe they’ll get their cutie marks in trying?”

Fluttershy was the first to giggle at her suggestion as the others joined.

Next Chapter: Spa Day Part 6 Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 48 Minutes